Originally Posted by
Dave Stewart
So what are you trying to say here? Are you trying to say that those that serve as volunteers rather than serving because they were drafted do not deserve to receive the benefits the government promised them when they agreed to sign their enlistment contracts?
Military personnel do not choose where they are ordered to serve or the missions given them, that decision is made by the political leaders ie....Congress or the President. When you enlist you take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and follow and obey the orders of those appointed above you....ie...the President is appointed as Command In Chief of the armed forces by the people that elect him or her. Again, military personnel do not make the decisions as to when and where they serve.
I too was a volunteer not drafted. I served for 26 years at my own choice. I also performed duties during that 26 years that would rather have not been doing which included serving in harm's way. No soldier wants to go to combat any more than any policeman or firefighter that volunteered to do those jobs wants to put their lives on the line to serve you...but it is what they agreed to do so that their families and you can enjoy the freedoms you have and be safe from those that would deny you those freedoms and safety.
Those that volunteer to serve, be it in the military, law enforcement or as fire fighters, para medics and a number of other professions know that they are committed to serve at times in harm's way....it is what they agreed to do when they agreed to serve.
When a person volunteers to serve in the military they are promised certain benefits by the government (elected by you as their representatives so basically by you) such as retirement after so many years, medical care for them and their families and some other benefits as incentives for serving. One of these benefits includes receiving compensation and medical care if they are killed or disabled in the line of duty while they are serving.
Seems to me you are advocating that because someone volunteers to serve in the military that they or their families should not receive these benefits they were promised if they are serving in harm's way in places that the politicians (elected by you) sent them because where they are is not a declared war or not in line with your wishes.
Do I think you owe me those benefits because I was a volunteer. Your **** right I do. I made a commitment to you and you, through your elected representatives made a promise to me. I did my part...now do yours.
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